James found the bag, which contained $2,400 in cash and $39,500 in travelers checks, in front of a TJ Maxx store in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood on Saturday evening.

He flagged down police who were patrolling the area to tell them he had found the cash-laden bag, and gave them his name and the name of the shelter where he lives.

The money was returned a short time later to its owner, who had told staff at a store nearby that he “lost his backpack containing a large sum of money” and his passport, police said. The owner was identified by his People’s Republic of China passport.

Boston police held a ceremony honoring James on Monday and presented him with a special citation.